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October 29, 2018 | Deeds Digest No. 122
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Hello #Changemakers
The crimes of hate last week - from the tragic shooting deaths of innocent congregants at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh, to the killing of two black patrons of a Kroger store in Kentucky, to the bombs received by 14 Democratic elected officials, donors and commentators -- sent a collective chill across America. What does this say about who we are? And what can we do about it?
The easy answer, of course, is to fill the world with more love in order to overcome and diffuse the hate that is at the root of these tragedies. The more difficult answer, however, is how to accomplish that.
I've been thinking about how we do that quite a lot over the last few days. And just this morning, in my 2 year old granddaughter, Ellis', music class, as we sang "This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine ..," I thought about it even more.
Importantly, we should center ourselves around the understanding that "love" and "meekness" are not synonymous. To be a loving person does not necessitate that we are soft or mild or weak. Instead, I have always believed that the best way to show love for our fellow humans is to fight with all our might for the just and equal world we want to see.
Understandably and appropriately, there have been numerous calls for civility in political discourse on both sides of the political spectrum following last week's hate crimes. I agree with that wholeheartedly. However, to be civil does not require that we hold back. Quite the contrary. If we don't fight with love, for love and through love, and if we don't do it with all our might, we won't succeed in combatting the dark fear and hatred that some politicians and their followers seek to inflame.
With that in mind, what is one thing that you can do from a place of love for your brothers and sisters this week, Changemakers? Perhaps it's donating to or volunteering for an organization working for justice and equality. Perhaps it's volunteering on a campaign that you believe in? Perhaps it's voting (our suggested "DO" this week - see below) for candidates who align with you in support of a more fair and just world. Whatever it is, bring your full heart, your full passion and your full energy for creating positive change to the task.
The world does indeed need more love, Changemakers. And you've got plenty to share. "Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine...."
Much love,
-wendy
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We love the #Changemakers we work with at Skyline High School so much, and last week we were so excited to join our friends from the Student Voter Initiative to help bring Alicia Keys, America Ferrera, and Liza Koshy to Skyline for a Get Out The Vote Rally! 🗳🧡
Words truly can’t describe the energy that filled the auditorium as we pledged to vote and continue to make a difference in our communities. I wish you could have seen the beautiful, excited and motivated faces of the over 1500 students who attended.
Young people (like me!) are the largest and most diverse voting generation in history— and we’re more than ready to own our power and to use it to make change. Our Vote is Our Voice and we're inspired to speak our values at the ballot box!
Claudia Yoli Ferla
Director of Student Outreach and Organizing
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Record numbers of early voters are showing up at the polls across the country, and it's amazing! Are you one of them? If, so, THANK YOU FOR VOTING YOUR VALUES! If you live in a state that provides early voting and you haven't voted yet, it's time to get to the polls already! There are all kinds of excuses not to vote, but our future is dependent on you! C'mon, it seriously doesn't take that much time and it feels awesome to walk out of your polling location, proudly sporting your "I Voted" sticker for all the world to see. That sticker tells people that you care about the world around you and you are doing something to make positive change.
If you have already voted, we need your help getting out the vote! Lot's of people are hosting voting events to get their friends and coworkers together to make sure everyone is getting to the polls.
Maybe you can host one, too, even if you just do it online!
Not sure where you or a friend should vote?
You can look it up here: https://www.vote.org/polling-place-locator/
We need your vote because we need your voice!
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This Week's #Changemaker:
Jazz Jennings
The Trump administration may be trying to define away transgender identities, but activist Jazz Jennings isn’t worried. In an interview with Huffington Post, she reminded her readers that “The government doesn’t have power over you -- people have power over the government. And you’re the people.”
18-year-old Jazz is a prominent activist for transgender rights and the star of “I am Jazz,” a reality show that follows the transgender teen’s coming-of-age experience. Jazz has also published a children’s book, Being Jazz: My Life as a (Transgender) Teen,” and founded TransKids Purple Rainbow Foundation with her parents to assist transgender youth.
Jazz is an amazing role model for American youth. By working hard to make her story accessible to everyone, Jazz is helping to diversify the often homogenous landscape of American media. We are so grateful for her efforts. Jazz, YOU ARE A TRUE CHANGEMAKER! And we are in awe of you.
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